Saint Peter

Petrus

Apostle and First Bishop of Rome · circa 1 AD–circa 64 AD

Who is Saint Peter?

Saint Peter, born Simon, was a Galilean fisherman called by Jesus of Nazareth to become one of his twelve apostles and, according to the Gospels, the leader among them. Renamed "Peter" (from the Greek "Petros," meaning rock), he features prominently throughout the New Testament, including his confession of faith at Caesarea Philippi, his walking on water, his denial of Jesus during the Passion, and his restoration after the Resurrection. Catholic tradition holds that Peter traveled to Rome, where he served as the city's first bishop and led the early Christian community during a period of Roman persecution. He is traditionally believed to have been martyred there, crucified upside down at his own request, around AD 64-68, during the reign of Nero. His tomb is traditionally located beneath the high altar of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the church built directly above the site of his burial. The Catholic Church regards him as the first Pope, and every subsequent Bishop of Rome is considered his successor, making him the foundational figure of both the papacy and Vatican City itself.

Sources: New Testament: Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John; Acts of the Apostles · 1 Peter and 2 Peter (New Testament epistles traditionally attributed to him) · Eusebius of Caesarea, Ecclesiastical History, Book II-III (4th century AD)

Quotes by Saint Peter

Ante omnia autem mutuam in vosmetipsos caritatem continuam habentes, quia caritas operit multitudinem peccatorum.

“Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves, for charity shall cover a multitude of sins.”

Peter urges the early Christian community to place selfless love above all else, because genuine love forgives and heals many faults.

Saint Peter

Source: First Epistle of Peter 4:8 (Vulgate), New Testament, traditionally attributed to the Apostle Peter

Omnem sollicitudinem vestram proicientes in eum, quoniam ipsi cura est de vobis.

“Casting all your care upon him, for he cares for you.”

An exhortation to surrender one's worries and burdens to God rather than carrying them alone.

Saint Peter

Source: First Epistle of Peter 5:7 (Vulgate), New Testament, traditionally attributed to the Apostle Peter

Tu es Christus, Filius Dei vivi.

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Peter's confession of faith at Caesarea Philippi, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, a pivotal moment in the Gospels.

Saint Peter

Source: Gospel of Matthew 16:16 (Vulgate), New Testament

Argentum et aurum non est mihi; quod autem habeo, hoc tibi do: in nomine Iesu Christi Nazareni surge, et ambula.

“Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Peter's words while healing a lame beggar, illustrating that spiritual gifts and faith matter more than material wealth.

Saint Peter

Source: Acts of the Apostles 3:6 (Vulgate), New Testament